Indian shooters Palak Gulia and Mukesh Nelavalli produced a sensational performance to clinch gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup in Granada on Tuesday, April 7, rewriting the record books in the process.
The young Indian pair, both aged 20, delivered a world-class display in the final, registering an outstanding score of 487.7, which now stands as both a senior world record and a junior world record. Their remarkable consistency and composure under pressure ensured India finished well ahead of the competition.
Palak contributed 243.0 points, while Mukesh added 244.7, showcasing exceptional control and accuracy throughout the final.
Strong Start In Qualification Sets The Tone
The Indian duo had already shown signs of dominance during the qualification round, finishing second with a combined score of 581-17x. They were narrowly behind the Chinese pair of Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu, who topped the standings with 586-23x.
Despite trailing slightly in qualification, Palak and Mukesh stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a near-flawless performance in the gold medal match.
In the final standings, the Chinese pair settled for silver with 484.8, while Hungary’s team featuring Veronika Major and Akos Karoly Nagy claimed the bronze medal after scoring 414.9.
Palak Gulia Continues Her Rise In World Shooting
Palak Gulia has rapidly emerged as one of India’s brightest shooting talents since her breakthrough performance at the Asian Games 2023.
At that event, she won individual gold and team silver, while also setting an Asian Games record of 242.1. Her performance secured India a quota place for the Paris Olympics 2024, further cementing her status as a rising star in international shooting.
Her latest world-record performance in Granada adds another major milestone to her rapidly growing list of achievements.
Mukesh Nelavalli Strengthens His Growing Reputation
Mukesh Nelavalli, meanwhile, continues to enhance his reputation as one of India’s most promising pistol shooters. Already recognised as a junior world champion, Mukesh displayed exceptional temperament and accuracy in the final, matching Palak shot for shot.
His steady performances across major competitions suggest that he could play a crucial role in India’s shooting ambitions in upcoming global tournaments.
A Landmark Moment For Indian Shooting
The historic gold medal and world-record finish mark a major achievement for Indian shooting on the international stage. The duo’s commanding performance not only secured the top podium finish but also highlighted the growing strength of India’s young shooters in precision events.
With both Palak and Mukesh still early in their careers, their world-record triumph in Granada signals a promising future for Indian shooting as the country continues to build toward major global competitions.